Camp Manhattan, Iraq – As we progress through the holiday season, I regret to inform you of our recent loss, SFC Todd Gibbs and SSG Kyle Eggers. The loss of these two men cannot be put into words. They were friends to all Currahees, brothers to the men of Destroyer Company, and a father to many within the platoon. Please remember the families back home in your prayers, may they be strengthened with the knowledge that their spirit continues with us today on each and every mission. I will never hesitate to share with anyone, the privilege we all had in serving with these two heroes.

Although these soldiers can never be replaced, we will continue on with them in our hearts and minds continuing to fight against those who oppress freedom. It does not appear that we will get to enjoy a "white" Christmas however; there is a relative chill in the air even in the desert. All of the soldiers now argue over the heaters instead of air conditioners yet we still don't feel anything like back in Korea.

We would like to thank the incredible number of people all across the states who continue to support us with mail. I am constantly disbursing letters and packages sent from elementary school children, church groups, business staff groups, and past Currahees. The amount of support is phenomenal and I am making every effort to reply to each and everyone. As the shopping days before Christmas dwindle down, the days between shipping and arrival of packages increase. I trust that you all understand the postal workers here in country are doing the absolute best job and truly make an outstanding effort.

God Bless each of you for your continual commitment to supporting men committed to a cause bigger than themselves. Your seemingly infinite hours of waiting, despair, anger, and fear are not forgotten. You keep us tied to the hope and reality of a family eager for our return. I wish you all peace and warmth throughout the holidays with family and friends. We are not alone here and continually lean on each other. I would like to close with a Christmas poem by an unknown author.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

He lived all alone
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this house did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings by the mantle, just boots filled with sand,
on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sober thought came into my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary;
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
not how I pictured a United States Soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon around the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom; I don't ask for more,
my life is my God and my Country, nothing more."
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
we both shivered and shook from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night
from this guardian of Honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure
whispered, "Carry on Santa, its Christmas day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."

CPT Jason Sabat
Company Commander